The Return

Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet café, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war. Seventy years earlier, the café is home to the close-knit Ramírez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country's fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witnesses the worst atrocities of conflict.

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Publisher's Summary

An atmospheric, vibrant and moving tale of pain and passion at the heart of war-torn Spain, from Victoria Hislop, the million-copy best-selling author of The Island and The Thread.

Beneath the majestic towers of the Alhambra, Granada's cobbled streets resonate with music and secrets. Sonia Cameron knows nothing of the city's shocking past; she is here to dance. But in a quiet café, a chance conversation and an intriguing collection of old photographs draw her into the extraordinary tale of Spain's devastating civil war.

Seventy years earlier, the café is home to the close-knit Ramírez family. In 1936, an army coup led by Franco shatters the country's fragile peace, and in the heart of Granada the family witnesses the worst atrocities of conflict. Divided by politics and tragedy, everyone must take a side, fighting a personal battle as Spain rips itself apart.

What the Critics Say

"Aims to open the eyes, and tug the heartstrings, of readers... Hislop deserves a medal for opening a breach into the holiday beach bag." (Independent)

"Like a literary Nigella, she whips up a cracking historical romance with a dash of family secrets and a splash of female self-discovery." (Time Out)

"Powerful stuff." (Daily Mail)

"Hislop somehow manages to capture the chaos and disintegration of Spain during the violence of the '30s and '40s in a dramatic, immediate way...keeps you reading at breakneck speed right to the end." (Sunday Express)

Probably. I enjoyed the writing and the descriptions of the Spanish Civil War. The contemporary story is less strong, and honestly somewhat unnecessary, but it's still a well-written book, so I will probably listen again

Have you listened to any of Jane Wymark’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I haven't yet, but I will dig some of them up!

Who was the most memorable character of The Return and why?

I would have to say mercedes, growing up and coming of age in such a difficult time in history.

Any additional comments?

Well-done! With the inclusion of some coincidences, I can't give this book 5 stars, but it is still a good read. I will read more from this author and narrator.

What made the experience of listening to The Return the most enjoyable?

I had no idea about the Spanish civil war, this book has spurred me onto to read more about the party of Europe's history

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Return?

I loved the whole thing really

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Ms

Glasgow, United Kingdom

9/12/13

Overall

Performance

Story

"Another Great book from Victoria Hislop !"

I loved this book, even though I found the love story bit just a little bit far fetched. I learned so much about the spanish civil war which I knew little about and found this really interested. Its a tragic love story but still manages to leave you feeling very satisfied. Overall I would say if you like Hislop's books then read this one.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

Cian

Essex

10/10/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Wonderful story and great narrative by Jane Wymark"

This is the second book by Victoria Hislop that I have read. I really enjoyed the story and how it developed and the history aspects of the Spanish Civil War. The characters were well rounded and interesting and I felt the narrative by Jane Wymark really was fab and made the story so much more interesting. It was very sad in parts but I would highly recommend it.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Linda

London, United Kingdom

8/29/14

Overall

Performance

Story

"Spanish Civil War plus love story"

This was the first Victoria Hislop book I have listened/read and like other reviewers I found the information on the Spanish Civil War incredibly interesting as this conflict is something I feel I know too little about. The characters are wonderfully drawn and whilst being fairly hard nosed I am still a girl who likes to think true love exists. I saw the end of the plot very early on but that didn't spoil the listen. This is a female read but a worthwhile one.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Polly Pon

2/24/15

Overall

Performance

Story

"Interesting"

This is not the sort of thing I usually listen to. It was to graphic for me but they it was I assume based on true stories. The subject was interesting as I knew nothing about the Spanish civil war .I enjoyed The island by Victoria Hislop more

0 of 0 people found this review helpful

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